PORTSMOUTH — The construction of the new Memorial Bridge continues with work on the Portsmouth side of the bridge where the construction company Archer Western has placed the concrete bridge deck for the Scott Avenue approach.

Concrete for the sidewalks is expected to be placed before Thanksgiving. The concrete will be cured over for seven days.The approach will serve as the entryway to the new south fixed span due to be put in place in January. The remainder of the work on the Scott Avenue approach will be completed in 2013.

In Kittery, the four new concrete piers have been completed and the precast beams have been installed for four out of five spans of the new Kittery approach. Construction of the new abutment for the approach is under way. Once that is completed, the last span of precast beams can be installed, making way for the placement of the concrete deck. Using proper winter procedures such as heaters and insulated blankets to cure the concrete, the concrete will be placed sometime in December.

Hub Foundation Company is now installing the micropiles on Pier 3, having completed Pier 1, 2 and 4. Eighteen micropiles will be drilled through the pier into bedrock. Archer Western will continue on double shifts until micropile installation on Pier 3 is complete. The company has express appreciation for the patience and good will of nearby residents in the face of the extended work hours. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Structural steel for the Memorial Bridge began arriving at the staging area in October, and crews are fabricating the superstructure for south fixed span of the bridge. According to the Archer Western schedule, this section of the bridge will be floated upriver by barge in January.

Concerns or questions may be addressed to Carol Morris, Archer Western Public Outreach, at cmorris@morriscomm.net or 207-329-6502